Can dogs smile? I think Archie does

Someone asked me today if dogs could smile. Ask any pet owner and I think they will agree, “Of course dogs smile. My dog smiles all the time.”

I agree with those pet owners. I think the corners of a dog’s mouth definitely perk up when they are happy — some dogs much more than others. But certainly I have seen very big smiles on many a dog’s face and those expressions are only there when they are happy, like when my puppy Archie is getting a belly rub or I call out his name in a very sweet tone like in the photo (at right). Or when I come home after being gone and he and his brother Buster are happy to see me — mouths are open and panting and tails are wagging. He can’t seem to contain himself and the expression on his face changes immediately into an open-mouthed smile.

But animal behavior experts say that dogs don’t really smile — not for the reasons I suggested above. Instead, they say the smile is indicative of a submissive behavior, often seen when a dog is needing to show its willingness to be subordinate to an alpha dog or their caretaker. So while they are saying dogs don’t necessarily smile because they are happy, I think they have somewhat proven my point. Dogs smile in agreement. When I am giving Archie a belly rub, he is in a submissive position and gladly accepts my dominance over him because he gets a great perk in exchange — so he smiles to show me how he feels and to say he agrees with our arrangement. Dogs smile because they are glad to see you — again because their master is home. So it’s not that dog’s don’t smile; they do. They just happen to smile at their owners to communicate their happiness at them caring for them, like giving them belly rubs, treats, or even just coming home from work.

Sometimes though, a dog can smile when it’s scared or anxious, but that’s still a submissive behavior and it looks much different than Archie’s happy face. In fact, it’s called a submissive grin because dogs curl their lips and bare their teeth into a sort of creepy smile when they are nervous, anxious, or upset around a person or another dog. It actually looks a bit scary. Here is a link to a photo of a wolf showing a submissive grin to a pack mate.

So in answer to the person’s question today, do dogs smile? Absolutely, and while it might be connected to a submissive behavior, to me, my dog Archie’s smile is letting me know everything is alright in his world.

About the Author

Cathy M. Rosenthal has more than 25 years of experience in public relations, communications and humane education in the animal welfare field. She has worked for local humane societies and national humane groups, appearing on hundreds of television and radio news and public affairs programs to address animal issues. She currently is a consultant for local and national animal welfare organizations, writing grants, annual reports and other marketing materials. She is also the author of several children's books about animals.